Scissor tricks

Tip from the test kitchen|Molly Watson

Plenty of home cooks have kitchen scissors, but few people make much use of them. Yet scissors fit some tasks much better than knives do. Here are a few of our favorite uses.

• Carve chicken. Make this job easier by using scissors to remove backbones and cut breastbones.

• Chop bacon. Quickly and easily cut bacon, pancetta, and other fatty cured meats into small pieces.

• Cut canned tomatoes. Minimize mess by using scissors to "chop" them right in the can. Drain off some of the liquid first, then point scissors down and get to work.

• Chop cooked greens. Cut large pieces of spinach and other cooked greens in the pan after cooking.

• Mince herbs. Add color and flavor to dishes by snipping fresh herbs into tiny pieces for garnish.

• Trim green beans. Cut off the ends in a snap.

Printed from:
http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/techniques/scissor-tricks-00400000011776/